The Los Angeles Post

Solis Proclaims April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day in Los Angeles County

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Dolores Huerta Day celebrates Dolores’ 95th birthday and honors her remarkable achievements in social justice and workers’ rights.

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Los Angeles, Calif. – Today, Los Angeles County Chair Pro Tem and Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis has proclaimed April 10 as Dolores Huerta Day in Los Angeles County, celebrating Dolores’ 95th birthday and honoring her remarkable achievements in social justice and workers’ rights advocacy. 

Dolores Clara Fernández Huerta is an American labor leader and civil rights activist. Alongside César Chávez, she co-founded the United Farmworkers Association, which later merged with the Agricultural Workers Organizing Committee to form the United Farm Workers (UFW). Dolores famously helped organize the 1965 Delano strike of 5,000 grape workers and played a key role in negotiating the workers’ contract that followed. Her efforts included advocating for safer working conditions, such as the elimination of harmful pesticides, as well as unemployment and healthcare benefits. In 1973, she also led a consumer boycott of grapes, which ultimately contributed to the passage of the groundbreaking California Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975. This law allowed farmworkers to form unions and bargain for higher wages and better work conditions. Her slogan “Sí, Se Puede” continues to inspire today.  

“Dolores Huerta’s contributions to Los Angeles County and to Latinos across the country have inspired generations of leaders fighting for justice for all,” said Chair Pro Tem Solis. “Now more than ever, we honor Dolores Huerta for her work as one of the most influential labor activists of our time and celebrate her 95th birthday. On this Dolores Huerta Day, may her legacy continue to light a fire in us all.” 

“I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, who work tirelessly to make Los Angeles County a vibrant home for all,” said Dolores Huerta, Founder & President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation and Co-founder of the United Farm Workers of America. “I accept this on behalf of Los Angeles’ working people, especially our immigrant community, whose labor supports families and children. The Supervisors have gone above and beyond to assist immigrants, and as we face challenges ahead, it’s vital to continue supporting their bold, compassionate leadership for our most underserved communities. Thank you, Los Angeles County, for your inspiring commitment. We aim to carry your leadership across California, especially the example set by the women on the Board.”

Dolores is one of the most influential labor activists of the 20th century and a key leader of the Chicano civil rights movement. She is the president and cofounder of the Dolores Huerta Foundation, which dedicates itself to empower communities for social justice, catalyzing grassroots movements, and driving forth equitable change. For her advocacy on behalf of workers, immigrants, and women’s rights, Dolores has received numerous honors, including the Eugene V. Debs Foundation Outstanding American Award, the United States Presidential Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Huerta has also been recognized with the Orden del Águila Azteca, Mexico’s highest honor, and is the first Latina inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame.  

By proclaiming Dolores Huerta Day, Chair Pro Tem Solis aims to elevate Dolores’ contributions to social justice and human rights and encourage communities across Los Angeles County to celebrate her legacy through volunteer efforts and events.